Westside Digest

Santa Monica

The City Council unanimously voted to support a bill in the Legislature that would prohibit the unlicensed use of fireworks by private citizens.

Councilman David Epstein, who made the motion, said that Santa Monica faces severe problems with fireworks because of the beachfront activities on July 4th. He cited a brush fire on a Palisades bluff and the risk of injuries.

"This was the worst 4th of July on record," said Mayor Christine E. Reed. "As long as there are cities (in the area) that sell these 'safe and sane' fireworks, we will bear more than our share of problems."